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Serum transferrin receptor measurements in hematologic malignancies
D Klemow1, D Einsphar, T A Brown
1Department of Medicine, Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City 66103.
American Journal of Hematology
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Serum transferrin receptor (TR) levels can indicate disease activity in certain hematologic malignancies. Elevated TR levels were observed in myeloproliferative disorders and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), suggesting its use as a diagnostic marker.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Transferrin receptor (TR) plays a crucial role in cellular iron uptake.
- Measuring circulating TR levels can offer insights into cellular proliferation and iron metabolism.
Observation:
- An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to quantify serum TR in 87 patients with hematologic malignancies.
- Serum TR levels were significantly elevated in myeloproliferative disorders and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Findings:
- Patients with myeloproliferative disorders showed significantly elevated mean serum TR (15.47 ± 12.54 µg/ml).
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients exhibited significantly elevated serum TR (14.17 ± 12.29 µg/ml), correlating with disease stage.
- Normal serum TR levels were observed in lymphoma, multiple myeloma, hairy cell leukemia, chronic granulocytic leukemia, myelodysplastic disorders, and acute nonlymphocytic leukemia.
Implications:
- Serum TR measurement may serve as a valuable laboratory index for assessing disease activity, particularly in CLL.
- In other hematologic disorders, elevated serum TR likely reflects the intensity of erythropoiesis.
- This study highlights the potential of serum TR as a biomarker in hematologic malignancies.